A cache of arms and ammunition believed to be intended for criminal elements seeking to destabilize Kogi State has been intercepted in a joint security operation. The Kogi State Government disclosed this in a statement signed by the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, on Monday.
According to the statement, the successful operation was the result of collaboration between local security operatives operating under the Kogi State security architecture, the Hybrid Forces under the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), and the 12 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, all acting on credible intelligence.
Preliminary findings revealed that security agents received actionable intelligence about the movement of arms and ammunition destined for criminal groups operating in and around Kogi State. The intelligence specifically identified a Golf 2 vehicle as being used for transporting the illicit weapons.
Promptly acting on this information, security agencies coordinated efforts across state boundaries. In partnership with the Sokoto State Government and security agencies in Sokoto, they tracked the suspects and their vehicle and maintained surveillance of their activities. The operation culminated in the arrest of three suspects in Sokoto State after more than two weeks of covert monitoring. Early investigations have provided valuable leads, and efforts are ongoing to apprehend other members of the arms trafficking network fueling criminality in Kogi State.
Building on the intelligence gathered, security operatives intercepted the cache of arms and ammunition intended for criminal elements. The Golf 2 vehicle used for transport was seized in Kabba, Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area. Items recovered included two AK-47 rifles, several AK-47 magazines, sixty-seven rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, two pistols, twelve rounds of pistol ammunition, and military uniforms suspected to be intended for criminal use.
The government further disclosed that intelligence reports indicate these weapons were meant to replenish the arsenal of criminal groups who had suffered major setbacks in recent weeks, particularly following the June 10, 2026, neutralization of the notorious bandit leader, Kachalla Battijo, after his unsuccessful attempt to kidnap students from Government Secondary School, Iluke Bunu.
Anticipating possible retaliatory actions and regrouping attempts by fleeing criminals, the government intensified intelligence gathering, expanded surveillance in strategic locations, and deepened collaboration with security agencies nationwide. These proactive measures aimed to detect and thwart any such plots before they could be executed.
Current intelligence suggests that the remaining criminal elements in forest hideouts across the state are now facing severe operational challenges and shortages of arms and ammunition due to sustained security pressure. In desperation, these groups have been actively seeking to replenish their depleted stockpiles.
The Kogi State Government, foreseeing these attempts, expanded its intelligence network, strengthened surveillance, and worked closely with security agencies to intercept the illegal movement of arms. The successful interception demonstrates the government’s commitment to staying ahead of those seeking to undermine the state’s peace and security.
The government credited the administration of His Excellency, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, FCA, for implementing effective, intelligence-driven security measures and commended the local security forces, Hybrid Forces under the ONSA, the Department of State Services (DSS), and the 12 Brigade of the Nigerian Army for their professionalism and coordination. The DSS, in particular, was recognized for elevating the standards of intelligence gathering and operational support.
Additionally, the Kogi State Government expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for empowering states and security institutions to protect lives and property at the grassroots level. Appreciation was also extended to the Sokoto State Government, security agencies in Sokoto, and all other stakeholders whose collaboration and swift action contributed to the operation’s success.
